Illuminating Art!

As the autumn sun sinks lower in the sky, Otterton Mill Gallery's latest exhibition features six west country artists for whom light is central to their art. This illuminating collection of work features both lamps and lampshades whose function is to convey light, alongside photography and paintings in which the depiction of light is key.

Kimberly Rainford is an established photographic artist from Exmouth, and has long been a popular exhibitor at the Mill for her wall canvases. For this exhibition, Kimberly's work has taken a new direction with an exciting range of lampshades onto which she has transferred photographic images of the natural world. As with her 2D work, the shades are vibrant in colour and contemporary in design. The natural images of leaves and flowers seem to glow of their own accord, and, when illuminated, take on an additional beauty and intricacy. A number of Kimberly's canvases depicting local sunsets are also being shown.

South Hams-based Inka Gabriel is a maker of stunning, art-deco inspired lamps. She uses glass in a variety of jewel-like colours, and other natural or man-made materials in her designs, which are characterised by clear, simple lines. Her lights are set on wooden bases and come in a range of different sizes. Although patterns may be repeated, each lamp is completely unique. The lamps suit both contemporary and traditional interiors.

Emma Purdie is a young designer who works from her small Devon studio to create handmade luxury textiles. For the Mill exhibition, Emma is showing an exclusive collection of beautiful lamp-shades which are screen-printed by hand on the finest silk dupion. Emma's background as a freelance designer of fashion and interiors has influenced her work, and she is inspired by pattern, colour, luxury fabrics and a variety of print and textile techniques. Her work is both fun and functional.

Local wood turner Martin Spencer-Thomas crafts beautifully turned wooden lamp stands from locally sourced natural wood, reclaimed wood and driftwood. Although a keen woodworker since his school days in the 1960's, Martin has pursued a long career as an auctioneer, occasionally making gavels for colleagues as a hobby. His interest in woodworking was renewed just five years ago after making wooden table decorations for his two daughters' weddings. Martin's designs are simple and elegant, allowing the wood to display its natural beauty. For the Mill exhibition, Martin is showing a selection of lamp-stands in a variety of woods and sizes, from table lamps to a striking three-legged standard lamp crafted from rowing oars.

Benjamin Muir is an emerging Exmouth-based photographic artist, whose digitally manipulated images explore themes of identity, relationships, emotions and what it is that makes us human. After studying photography at Exeter College, Benjamin moved north to Sunderland from where he graduated with a BA First Class Honours in Photography, Video and Digital Imaging. For the Mill exhibition, Benjamin is showing a new photographic project entitled Genesis II that looks at how all life and creation generated from one singular sudden light. His photographic ‘sun-scapes' have been projected onto abstracts of the human body in striking 2D images.

The final exhibiting artist is established landscape painter Lester Halhed. Lester studied at the Glasgow School of Art, before moving to London and working as a Senior Graphic Designer for Thames Television for twenty-five years. One of his many credits is working on the Beatles film Yellow Submarine. After moving to Devon in 1992, Lester now paints full-time. His atmospheric paintings, mostly in watercolour and gouache, are inspired by the mood and drama of nature in his surrounding countryside. Exmoor, being right on his doorstep, is a constant influence with its ever-changing moods, colour, light and cloud patterns.

Otterton Mill owner Caroline Spiller said "We are delighted to showcase a collection of work that uses such a diverse range of media, styles and techniques, linked by the common theme of light. It makes for an interesting and exciting exhibition, which once again demonstrates the wealth of creative excellence that is found in the South West and which we are proud to show at the Mill Gallery."

The exhibition runs daily from Saturday 18th September to Monday 8th November. Entry is free.

Otterton Mill Gallery is housed in the historic mill building and the artworks are displayed against the backdrop of the ancient mill workings. The Gallery shows a constantly changing selection of work by leading South West artists and features paintings, sculpture, furniture, prints, photography, ceramics, glass, textiles, jewellery, mixed media, metal and wood. The Gallery also incorporates a craft shop selling exceptional crafts and affordable gifts made by West Country craftspeople.

For more information, call the Gallery on 01395 568008.  To see images of the artwork, click here.

Date added: Tuesday 14th September 2010
Latest updated: Sunday 29th April 2012